Note to the greatest Woman ever, Betty

I met Betty at age 18. She impressed me then and still impresses me today. She became the love of my life. I married her when I was still 18. Over 50 years have gone by. She is still everything.

Today is the big day, your birthday. Wow, what a wonderful over five decades we have had together. I married the most extraordinary women. I am so grateful for this incredible lady that has been and is my partner, companion, and closest friend throughout our journey.

We married when we were but teens. If I knew how good it was going to be, I would have married you earlier!! But I didn’t know you. We met and were married in less than a year. We have been through it all. Difficulties, from no money to well cared for, from language school to large conferences we have been together. We have seen and done it all, from the USA to beautiful Mexico and our beloved Peru. You have traveled with me around the world. We experience an abundance of blessings and love every day. You are the most fun a man could ask for.

God gave us four wonderful children, made us grandparents to 20 grandchildren, and great-grandparents to a precious little girl. Our family has been the heart of our lives. Together, we’ve loved, raised, and been with our children, rejoicing in their successes and guiding them through life’s challenges. You are and have been the greatest mom, the best wife, the best grandmother and the greatest friend ever.

People know you for your sweetheart, your tears, your kindness, your compassion, and for being my constant support. You are my world. I love walking into the room and catching you reading your Bible and just loving Jesus. Wow, what a woman!

I am so ever grateful to God for you and your life. Thank you for being with me in the good and bad, the high and the low, the ups and the downs. Thank you for praying for me, encouraging me, and loving me.

Thanks for being there in cancer that robbed me of body parts, Covid that paralyzed and knocked me out, all the surrounding chaos, and being there till i could recover, get up, much more than survive. I could thrive because of your sweet love, your smile, your touch, and mostly your prayers.

To my beloved wife, on this special day, I offer my deepest love and appreciation for all that you are. Happy birthday to you. I look forward to many more years together till the Lord comes or takes me home. I know we will laugh, love, and enjoy whatever God has for us.